Oman launches 10-year Golden Residency scheme to attract investors and skilled professionals

TCN On Sep 3, 2025

MUSCAT: Oman has rolled out a 10-year Golden Residency programme, aiming to attract foreign investors, professionals, and their families as part of its Vision 2040 economic reform strategy. The announcement was made during the Sustainable Business Environment forum in Salalah, attended by Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP).

Officials said the initiative is designed to boost private sector growth, create jobs, and encourage knowledge transfer, while also providing expatriates with long-term stability and deeper integration into Oman’s economy.

Key benefits of Golden Residency

10-year renewable residency covering spouses, children, and first-degree relatives, without restrictions on age or number.
Fast-track airport services and permission to employ up to three domestic workers.
Property ownership rights beyond integrated tourism complexes, in specified zones open to foreign nationals.

Eligibility pathways (minimum RO200,000 / USD $520,000 investment)

Applicants can qualify through multiple routes, including:

Establishing companies with assets and capital of at least RO200,000.
Buying property in integrated tourism complexes.
Purchasing government bonds with a minimum two-year maturity.
Investing RO200,000 or more in listed equities.
Maintaining five-year fixed deposits of RO200,000.
Owning firms with at least 50 Omani employees and RO200,000 capital.
Nomination under the Foreign Investment Law by qualified firms.

MoCIIP said the framework is focused on channeling investments into priority sectors, enhancing Oman’s position as a secure and investor-friendly hub.

Distinguished Companies initiative

At the same forum, the government also launched the “Distinguished Companies” programme, developed with the Ministry of Labour, the Tax Authority, Royal Oman Police, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Companies will be evaluated on governance, Omanisation levels, revenues, exports, and compliance, with top performers recognized for their contribution to the economy.

Digitalisation and global outreach

Oman introduced a new digital service to transfer commercial registration ownership via the Oman Business Platform, initially for sole proprietorships and one-person firms. This aligns with the government’s wider digital transformation drive.

To market the Golden Residency globally, Oman has partnered with Alam Al Hijrah (Migration World), a consultancy with reach in 60+ countries. The campaign will include digital promotions, investor conferences, and strategic partnerships coordinated with MoCIIP.

Competitive edge

By lowering the minimum investment threshold from RO250,000 to RO200,000, Oman has aligned itself with other Gulf states offering long-term visas.

“The Golden Residency is not just a permit; it represents opportunity, security, and a high quality of life,” said Nasima bint Yahya Al Balushi, Director General of the Investors Services Centre. She highlighted Oman’s strong global standing, noting its 4th place ranking in the 2024 Quality of Life Index.